ISSUE 1 | 2019 UDR Trucks - Goingoads the Extra Mile since 1935
Thailand Riding the highs and lows
New Quester A smart move for your business
ISSUE 1 2019
04 UD around the world
Dear friends, 08 8-liter All New Quon Downsized engine, higher payload
Welcome to this new issue of Roads, your magazine about UD Trucks.
In our quest to make the trucks the world needs today, UD fully supports smart 12 Quon 15 years Fantastic voyage logistics for our customers. And in a world of smart logistics, having the right truck for your business activity is crucial.
In this issue, you will discover how UD made evolve our two heavy-duty trucks, to match our customers’ evolving needs. 16 Lucky year For our Japanese customers who need an even Testing an All New Quon for 12 months higher payload and a reduced fuel consumption, our flagship Quon is now proposed with a new 18 Australia downsized 8-liter engine. Mated to the ESCOT-Ⅵ Total package gearbox as standard, not only 8-liter Quon offers better fuel economy and increased payload, but it 22 The future of smart logistics preserves all of the outstanding drivability and ease Autonomous trucking in confined areas of operation drivers expect from a UD truck. 24 South Africa It is these dependable UD traits - flexibility, A century of waste management durability, low running costs, comfort and drivability Decades of partnership – that have turned the New Quester into a heavy- duty reference in growth markets. Now available with the renowned ESCOT automated manual gearbox, and even more powerful engines, New Quester is roaring ahead. Read how driver Manachai Bunsin, who works for Nannon in Thailand, has been appreciating the multiple evolutions during his cross-country long-haul drives. 26 New Quester A smart move for your business Making the trucks the world needs today, means working now on the truck our customers will need 30 Thailand in the future. Autonomous trucks are set to largely Riding the highs and lows transform the world of transportation. In our vision 2030 development plan, UD introduced its ambitious roadmap, focusing on Fujin & Raijin, automation & electrification. In these pages, we reveal our Level 4 autonomous Quon Fujin prototype, which, before a group of international media members, did an impressive demonstration of the potentialities of a technology that 34 A day in the life of a driver will be with us in the not-so-distant future. Driving adventure with New Quester
The future is promising, for UD and for our customers. Roads is published by UD Trucks Corporation www.udtrucks.com
Keep trucking, Publisher Kenneth Hagas Vice President Brand Strategy & Marketing Communications Takamitsu Sakamaki President, UD Trucks Corporation Editor-in-chief Vanessa Maternini Digital and Publications Manager
Produced by
[email protected] Tel: +86 139 111 55 788 UD around the world
JAPAN
New 8-liter Quon praised at the Touch & Ride All New Quon snow test-drive in Japan plow truck on display
A Touch & Ride event for the 8-liter engine model Quon was held at 2019 Yukimirai Snow for the media in January at the Japan Automobile Research Institute Removal Machinery and test course at Shirosato. The event was the prelude of a series of test Technology Exhibition in drives organized to introduce customers to the new 8-liter version of Northern Japan All New Quon. UD Trucks is the only manufacturer of heavy- duty all-wheel drive snow removal trucks in Japan. In a country where half receives heavy snow fall, affecting around 15% of the population, snowplow Quons play a vital role by maintaining a stable logistic network and a safe and secure service infrastructure. Fully aware of its social responsibility in ensuring safety in snowy regions, UD Trucks will enhance its offering with a back-up system that provides a wide range of professional services in addition to the snow plow Quons.
Guests were invited to test in various tricky conditions, such as riding in the tipper truck on the high-speed test circuit, over hilly terrain and across pitted road. They could deliberately drive into a ditch then leave the trucks to get them out with the Escape function. Drivers tried hill starts and tested the power of auxiliary brakes in downhill; and experienced the touch and handling of this latest Quon. The media came out impressed by how “well-balanced” this downsized-engine version of Quon feels, “between drivability, comfort, quietness and increased payload”. Others praised the excellent transmission, and the braking, which felt “like a passenger car.” The shortage of drivers in Japan’s logistics industry is becoming increasingly acute, so downsized and lighter engines allowing higher payloads are urgently required. It is estimated that each small-engined lighter truck with a higher payload can save an operator several million yen a year (a million yen is about 9,000 US dollars).
Read about 8-liter All New Quon on P8-11
LATIN AMERICA
A new fleet of 20 Quester CKE 280 for garbage collection delivered in Nicaragua’s capital, Managua
A year and a half after the launch of Quester and Croner in Nicaragua, these 20 new Questers are now part of more than 30 already operating in the country. “The trucks were specifically designed to meet customer requests for a reliable and robust vehicle. They are performing an important mission for the local communities,” says Fábio Freitas, Head of UD Trucks Sales in Latin America. “This tender started in July 2018, and after many rounds of negotiation, UD Trucks and our importer Maquipos won the deal. From that moment, we had the full support of the entire organization to meet the tight delivery schedule. From the confirmation of the orders, production, bodybuilder and delivery department, everyone was fully engaged and committed to meet the delivery date in Nicaragua. A true Gemba Spirit,” says Eduardo Marcos, Marketing and Strategy UD Trucks Latin America. UD Trucks, along with Maquipos, will provide full maintenance support so the trucks can go the extra mile for the city of Managua.
04 AUSTRALIA 150th UD delivered to John West Logistics
The trucking industry is an exciting one, one from a feature in our 2/2014 issue. He with the company that's changing, and changing for the better. recently celebrated an exciting milestone to find the specific trucks to suit JWL's unique That's what John West Logistics managing when UD Trucks, a major partner in his applications. director John West thinks. expanding business, handed over the keys What will the 150th UD to join the fleet "The industry is much better than it was to his 150th UD truck. be doing? Carting empty beer bottles in five years ago, significantly better than 10 For as long as he's been in business, the Queensland. years ago and you can't put a number on majority of Mr West's fleet has been made UD Trucks National Fleet Manager Grant how much better it is now than it was 20 up predominately of Volvo Group trucks, Walford said the prime mover was the first years ago,” he said. with Macks and UDs. His relationship with to be delivered of the "new generation” and Mr West, who has more than 40 years of the company goes back as far as the 1980s, includes a suite of safety features. experience in the transport and logistics when he bought his first truck. Mr West praised the safety features of the industry (20 of those were spent working "It's been a great partnership and it was truck, saying "most trucks on the road these for the Mayne Nickless Group), started nice to celebrate the 100th (UD) milestone days are better than most cars,” adding that all up his Brisbane-based contract logistics and now the 150th. Now we're looking his drivers enjoyed driving the trucks. business in 2000, and now has depots forward to the 200th!” All of his trucks were fitted out with telematics, across Australia and in New Zealand too. Volvo Group takes care of all the servicing he said, which also kept drivers happy. Roads readers may remember Mr West and maintenance and has worked closely "It's great, it protects them and it protects us.”
News published on bigrigs.com.au website
05 UD around the world
Southern Africa Quester and Kuzer launch and Dealer Awards 2019
This Feburary, New Quester and light-duty ideas. Following UD's comprehensive finance, it was clear that UD Trucks’ dealers Kuzer were launched in Southern Africa plan on supporting smart logistics, have once again raised the quality bar. region. Guests and media joined UD Trucks this year's discussions focused largely Motruck, in Swaziland, Dulys Trucks Harare, at the spectacular Sun City Resort in North on the incorporation of smart modern in Zimbabwe, Produkta Trucks, in Nelspruit, West Province, to test drive the two new technologies and solutions into daily South Africa, and McCarthy Commercial ranges of UD trucks. business, to the advantage of customers. Alrode, in Johannesburg, took away the It was also a great occasion to hold the As every year, the conference ended with top Dealer of the Year awards. 27th UD Southern Africa Annual Dealer a Dealer Awards Gala which saw the top The passion and spirit of the UD Trucks Conference. Besides discussing products dealership achievers celebrated. Spanning 39 brand is certainly alive and well in Southern and services in the region, the conference different categories in various disciplines such Africa, and the team is ready to take on the is also an opportunity to exchange of sales, parts, service, administration and challenges of 2019.
THAILAND
Handover of 15 units of New Quester with ESCOT transmission to customers
Following the successful launch of New China. They require high performing, delivered to Pornputhip Transport, Quester on the Thai market in February, UD reliable, fuel-efficient trucks, with to be used for their business in syrup Trucks Thailand has officially handed over optimum uptime as they transport transportation. The company has more 15 units of New Quester to customers. perishable goods. The company chose than 100 trucks in their fleet and has been The first three trucks were delivered to New Questers to complete their fleet a UD loyal customer for more than 20 Zizler Transport as part of a 10-truck because of the new technologies and years. It was the new technology integrated deal, and are the first Japanese trucks in ESCOT transmission, as well as the in New Quester that won them over. New the company fleet. Zizler transports fruit aftersales services. Quester is one of the most advanced across the border between Thailand and Another 12 New Questers have been trucks currently on offer in Thailand.
06 NEW QUESTER LAUNCH
Over 360 people gathered for the launch of New Quester in Thailand
50 journalists, 260 customers and 60 attend 4 stations: Productivity, Driver & transmission and the more powerful UD Thailand employees gathered for the Fuel Efficiency, Uptime & Connectivity engines, while enjoying the comfort of 2-day event in February, at KKC circuit in and the test drive. Guests could the new air suspended cab and new seat Petchburi province. thoroughly detail the manufacturing with lumbar support. After the exciting reveal of New Quester, quality and the new technological The launch was also live-broadcasted with Toshio Shiratori, UD chief designer advancements of New Quester, and through UD Trucks Thailand's Facebook giving an overview of New Quester's appreciate the driving pleasure proposed fan page, with more than 280,000 fans design highlights, guests were invited to by the ESCOT automated manual following the event.
Read about New Quester on P26-29
07 Smart Logistics New 8-liter Quon
New 8-liter All New Quon The New Quon with higher payload, excellent driving experience and outstanding reliability powered by a downsized engine.
ince its launch in 2017, the sibling, 8-liter Quon allows, thanks to qualities of All New Quon the extra reduction of weight permitted have been acclaimed in by its lighter powertrain, an increased Japan and worldwide by payload. An answer to the needs of customers, specialized press smart logistics in a country whose andS transportation professionals. In specific regulations drastically limit the Japan, All New Quon is now available gross total weight. with the GH8 engine with smaller 8-liter displacement, addressing the specific To better understand the particularities needs of a wide range of customers who and benefits of this new version, operate cargo trucks, tanker lorries, we interviewed seven UD team tippers and mixers. Keeping all the members involved in the planning and drivability and smoothness of operation development of the 8-liter All New appreciated in its renowned 11-liter Quon.
08 A new engine, but, with proven performance A 300kg weight reduction, for an A downsized 8-liter engine in the heavy-duty All equivalent extra payload. Senior New Quon? We asked Kazuhito Hosono, Vehicle 300kg Project Manager for Powertrain Chief Project Manager and Yukio Tsujita from Engineering, Takefumi Mochizuki, Product Planning, how this idea was born and weight and Junichi Kawahara, Chief Project brought to life. Manager for Power Train from reduction Product Management Division, explain how it could be achieved.
Kazuhito Hosono: An 8-liter version of the GH engine had been developed by the Japanese Technology team since 2007, and then passed on to the Volvo Group engineers. Now there are more than Takefumi Mochizuki: Reducing weight had already been a priority on 30,000 vehicles equipped with it currently serving in the development process of All New Quon. The 11-liter engine versions fleets in Europe and Asia, proving its solid reliability had already achieved significant weight reduction with the adoption of disc and operability. For the version equipping this new brakes and the use of robust and lighter high-tensile steel for its chassis. Quon, we developed the engine further to meet Keeping all these advantages, the 8-liter versions add an extra 300kg weight the requirements of the very demanding Japanese saving by reducing the weight of the powertrain. One of the reasons is that, environmental regulations (pPNLT, exceeding Euro though small-displacement engines usually use two turbos, we adopted a 6 regulation requirements). There have been many single turbo to further reduce the weight. requests for small-displacement engines from our customers, and we believe that the 8-liter engine is an Junichi Kawahara: Technically, we can do both, single or dual turbo. In fact, useful addition to the Quon engine lineup, enabling when we introduced an 8-liter demonstration vehicle at the Tokyo Motor UD Trucks to meet a wide range of customer needs. Show in 2013, ahead of other companies, it used a dual turbo. However, as a turbo weighs several dozen kilograms, we prioritized weight reduction and Yukio Tsujita: We think that trucks with small- adopted a single turbo. From there, we worked on delivering as high power displacement engines have been long-awaited by and performance as a dual-turbo engine. The high-power output of 357 PS customers who want to improve transport efficiency. with a single turbo engine is made possible thanks to the excellent design of This 8-liter engine is available on cargo trucks, tanker the base engine, with a high peak cylinder pressure ratio and efficient fuel lorries, tippers and mixers, and we are convinced that injection system. In addition, besides being lighter, a single turbo is easier it will be a great asset for customers who want more to maintain and more cost-effective. When balancing the overall benefits of payload, and companies doing mostly mid- and short- each solution, it became obvious that the single turbo was the best choice distance transport. for our customers.
09 Smart Logistics New 8-liter Quon
Another perfect match: 8-liter GH engine and ESCOT-Ⅵ
When UD launches a new engine, the whole powertrain is New high-capacity redesigned. Mated to a recalibrated ESCOT- Ⅵ automated transmission, the new 8-liter model delivers fully on Quon’s version outstanding drivability, efficiency and dependability. Junichi Kawahara and Takefumi Mochizuki, Chief Project Manager Even more payload? UD introduces a brand new high- and Senior Project Manager of the Powertrain Engineering capacity version, with 200kg extra payload over the standard department give insights into the tuning process aimed at 8-liter version. Shigeo Nagamatsu and Takayuki Miyanoiri, providing Quon’s proverbial qualities. Managers from Product Planning and Engineering, together with Sadahiro Shimizu, Senior Project Manager from Product Development tell us more about this new high-capacity 8-liter Quon version. Junichi Kawahara: Usually, when we work on the development of a new powertrain we divide engine, transmission and rear axles into three projects. This time however, as the main focus was downsizing the engine from 11L to 8L, we integrated the Shigeo Nagamatsu: Even more payload is now available on the work into a single project. brand new high-capacity version we developed for the 8-liter Quon. In addition to the lighter chassis of All New Quon, and the Takefumi Mochizuki: We fine-tuned the matching of lighter 8-liter engine, we worked on further reducing the overall the ESCOT-Ⅵ and the 8L engine thoroughly. Starting with truck weight by decreasing body weight. simulation, we did test drives on the usual test courses and on In comparison with the standard 8-liter version, where the payload public roads. For the public road test, we checked compatibility of the rigid cargo version has been increased by 300-500kg, on with ESCOT-Ⅵ, fuel efficiency and the status of UD Particulate this high-capacity version the payload has been increased by Cleaner in traffic, city and highway situations, reproducing 500-700kg compared to the GH11 engine model. On the rigid actual customer conditions. Not only the test drivers, but also cargo version, for example, the floor frame is now in aluminum, the engineers test drove the vehicle. We want our engineers to and the lining is replaced by a lightweight material, reducing the drive the vehicle they are developing, to help finetuning with body weight alone by over 200 extra kilograms compared to the the highest precision, in order to provide our customers with standard version. The high-capacity version will be available for the best possible vehicle. As a result, not only the GH8 engine gull-winged vans, tippers and mixers. delivers a driving experience as pleasant as the GH11 engine, fully compliant with most recent Japanese pPNLT exhaust gas Takayuki Miyanoiri: For the mixer truck, the payload benefited regulation, but all models also exceed by 5% the JH15 fuel from the 300kg weight reduction due to the lighter 8-liter engine, consumption regulation. We believe this new 8-liter Quon is a increasing the standard drum capacity to 4.4 m3. The high-capacity very well-balanced truck. version extends the capacity to 4.5 m3, the highest allowed in Japan.
Tadahiro Shimizu: Note that the mixer version of Quon reached this capacity without requiring the use of aluminum wheels, which we preferred to avoid as they are expensive, easily discolored by cement, which is also difficult to remove when it adheres to.
Takayuki Miyanoiri: For the tipper, the powertrain weight reduction enabled us to achieve a payload of 9.8 to 10 tons for the side-tipper standard version, and 10.4 tons for the high- capacity version with the telescopic cylinder rear-tipper type. As it requires less power for dumping up compared to the side-tipper, the mechanism is lighter. The telescopic rear dump is popular in Europe and we are now considering introducing it in Japan. GH8 engine (Displacement: 7.7L)
10 Kazuhito Hosono Vehicle Chief Project Manager Project Office, Product The passion Management Division, UD Trucks Technology and rigor behind
Tadahiro Shimizu New Quon’s Now, it’s for Senior Project Manager Vehicle Engineering, Development Division, ultimate the customers UD Trucks Technology drivability to test it
All New Quon is designed with drivers How does a smaller-engined Quon feel behind at heart. How did the UD development the wheel? To answer this question, the UD team stay loyal to this very idea, and development and product teams want to hear Takefumi Mochizuki deliver Quon’s ultimate drivability in from their customers and have been holding Senior Project Manager, Powertrain the 8-liter powered model? Shimizu and a series of customer test-drive events. Engineering, Hosono from the Product Development Development Division, and Project Management Divisions UD Trucks Technology share some of the stories behind the building of a truck for ALL drivers. Yukio Tsujita: We have been running various test drive events. We would like many people to drive the 8-liter Quon and experience its performance, Junichi Kawahara and especially the benefits of ESCOT-Ⅵ. For Powertrain Chief Tadahiro Shimizu: We did a thorough Project Manager, example, mixer trucks require experienced skills, tuning by driving the vehicle ourselves Project Office, Product until we thought “this is it!”. One of the such as hopper alignment. ESCOT-Ⅵ is set up to Management Division, UD Trucks Technology big advantages of Quon is its superior make such subtle operations easy, and I would like drivability and ease of operation, which drivers to feel by themselves that “with ESCOT-Ⅵ, allows inexperienced drivers and elderly there is no problem even though it’s an automatic drivers to drive effortlessly, smoothly, and transmission”. safely. The credit goes in large part to Yukio Tsujita the electronically controlled automated Shigeo Nagamatsu: I think that drivers are proud of their driving skills, patiently acquired over years Senior Manager, transmission, ESCOT-Ⅵ, that makes Product Planning/ driving Quon as simple as driving a car. driving manual transmission trucks. If we manage Engineering Department, All versions of 8-liter Quon are equipped to change preconceptions and demonstrate that Vehicle Sales Division, Japan Sales with ESCOT-Ⅵ. We searched for the best ESCOT-Ⅵ does the job better than a manual match between the 8-liter engine and gearbox, then daily operations will become ESCOT-Ⅵ, so that our customers could significantly easier. experience superior drivability in any driving environment. Kazuhito Hosono: I believe that drivers who operate a truck daily are not only concerned with Takayuki Miyanoiri performance but also the truck’s capacity to brake Manager, Product Kazuhito Hosono: In the early stages of Planning/Engineering development, I had decided to organize safely. Usually, when the engine displacement Department, Vehicle decreases, engine brake effectiveness also Sales Division, a test drive. I wanted our sales people Japan Sales to test drive the truck, as well as our decreases. So, to address this point, we have factory members who normally don’t fine-tuned the control to make full use of the have a chance to take part in test drives. automatic downshift to support the auxiliary The result was very positive: we received brake. As for engine power, we have tuned this feedback from many team members, engine to emphasize a feeling of power, while also Shigeo Nagamatsu which helped us to further improve the preserving the long-term reliability and durability our customers expect from UD. Manager, Product accuracy of our fine-tuning. This team Planning/Engineering involvement was a real motivating factor Department, Vehicle Takayuki Miyanoiri: UD Trucks will be holding Sales Division, and it ended up becoming a major driving Japan Sales force behind the project. a series of test drive events of the 8-liter Quon. We look forward to inviting drivers and owners to experience the superb quality of our new trucks.
11 Smart Logistics Quon 15 years Fantastic voyage Text: Duncan Forgan
Now marking 15 years as UD Trucks’ flagship heavy-duty vehicle, Quon continues to blaze a trail for people-centred smart logistics through regular technological advances and mindful improvements.
t‘s fair to say that 2004 was a vintage year for world-changing innovation.
In February, previously unknown Years of painstaking research and hard university sophomore Mark Zuckerberg work had gone into development of a Ilaunched the beta version of a new social flagship heavy-duty truck that incorporated straddling tech behemoth it is today – so networking site, at that point known as ground-breaking emission clearing too has Quon (and, for that matter, UD TheFacebook.com. technology, IT-enabled features and Trucks) moved with the times. advanced driveability, comfort and safety. Other advances with major implications, UD Trucks has long shown its ability to meanwhile, included the birth of Gmail, the One of the most revolutionary features of develop its product based on the changing unveiling in France of the Millau Viaduct – that original Quon was its SCR Urea system, needs of customers. Indeed, a commitment still the world’s tallest bridge – and a slew a process of cleaning thin particles from to move with the times has been written of successful space missions. exhaust gas – a genius idea drawn from the into the brand DNA since its very early days urea catalysts used to process emissions at when company founder Kenzo Adachi All these disruptions were of course hugely thermal electric power plants. The solution spent years honing and refining diesel significant. But for those with an interest – has gone on to become a standard in the technology for use in his vehicles. vested or otherwise – in the transportation industry. and logistics industry, the hottest debut of Core values of the brand were instilled the year came not in Silicon Valley or in the So, when it premiered as the world’s from the very beginning. Durability and gilded halls of Harvard, but at the Tokyo cleanest diesel truck at the time, Quon was dependability are key planks of truck Motor Show. rightly hailed as a remarkable achievement design – and UD’s unstinting devotion to in keeping with the reputation of UD Trucks these fundamental “two Ds” has earned Automotive history was made when UD as benchmark for quality and willingness to it an enviable reputation in all corners of Trucks first unveiled its Quon showpiece go the extra mile. the globe. heavy duty truck at the show. Gasps of surprise and spontaneous rounds of Just as Facebook has honed its formula From the craggy peaks of Ethiopia to the applause from the crowd greeted the over the past 15 years – going from a highlands of Asia and the vast empty spaces appearance of the vehicle. There was good relatively niche way of sharing events and of Australia, the brand’s various models – reason for all this acclaim. information with “friends” to the globe- both legacy and Quon – are running round-
12 the-clock shifts every day.
A sense of perpetual motion is far from confined to the punishing schedules kept by UD vehicles in fleets around the world. The history of Quon is In recent years, UD Trucks has increased intertwined with UD Trucks’ own journey its efforts to support “Smart Logistics” inexorably intertwined towards smart logistics that “put people – fusing its reputation for dependability first”, benefitting everyone from drivers and with cutting-edge innovations that look with UD Trucks’ own fleet managers to society as a whole. boldly into the future. This centres around extensive research into ACE (automation, journey towards With three significant upgrades since connectivity and electromobility). 2004, the story of Quon is rich in landmark smart logistics that moments. Smart components were integral And, in many ways the evolution of Quon from the word go. When Quon debuted since its launch 15 years ago can be seen as “put people first”, in 2004, features such as a voice assist a barometer of how UD Trucks has applied benefitting everyone function and internet-based remote- its various breakthroughs in practice: checking announced an intention to turning ground-breaking new ideas into from drivers and fleet transform the heavy-duty truck into a reality and rising to the fresh challenges of “smart” vehicle for the next generation. modern transportation. managers to society An upgrade in 2010 was another leap In fact, the history of Quon is inexorably as a whole. forward. By this time UD Trucks was
13 Smart Logistics Quon 15 years
able to harness its own engineering and even higher. New features in this model with updated software and an ECO mode technological strengths to the technologies, included a Lane Departure System and to maximize fuel efficiency. resources and knowledge of the global an Advanced Emergency Braking System, Volvo Group, which the company had with front radar sensors making Quon The perfectionist engineers at UD Trucks joined in 2007. This led to the introduction capable of braking by itself if a risk of maintained their record of delivering of fuel efficient GH11 and GH13 engines collision were detected. The vehicle also profound advances from model to model and the 2-pedal robotized-clutch ESCOT-Ⅴ benefitted from an improved ESCOT-Ⅴ with All New Quon, introduced to the gearbox, which offered improved safety market in 2017. and driving pleasure. A revolutionary advance in a number of th Another reboot – a 10 anniversary ways, All New Quon was widely recognised overhaul in 2014 – increased standards as a statement of intent by UD Trucks in support of smart logistics. Technologies on board include a driver fatigue surveillance system to keep track of potentially ESCOT-Ⅵ catastrophic weariness. The automated manual ESCOT transmission The built-in Nenpi Coaching system on Quon, a reference in works like an on- drivability and fuel efficiency
14 board driving coach, helping drivers by making suggestions on gearshift changes, acceleration or brake actions. Fuel consumption reports are automatically generated by the system and records are kept for convenient consultations. The sixth generation ESCOT-Ⅵ, meanwhile, offers even smoother gear changes and more assertive, well rounded gearshift management through enhanced software.
Other highlights include an ingenious Foretrack function which, when paired with ESCOT-Ⅵ transmission, memorizes every hill the truck tackles and helps drive the truck in the most fuel-efficient way. Additional innovations are almost too long to list, but include advanced disc brakes with superior heat dissipation, a reduction in vehicle weight, improved load handling and suspension, the fuel-efficient and clean GH11 Engine and a cabin that was completely redesigned to enhance driver comfort. When it premiered as the world’s cleanest heavy-duty diesel truck at the time, Quon was rightly hailed as a remarkable achievement in keeping with the reputation of UD Trucks as benchmark for quality and willingness to go the extra mile.
Smart logistics though are not just about that aims to deliver a variety of solutions technological advances. Humans remain for smart logistics, including fully-electric central to the UD Trucks, and All New and autonomous trucks by 2030. Last year Quon, with its improved drivability, fuel- also saw All New Quon join the world’s first efficiency, safety, productivity and uptime, public road demonstration of multi-brand has been a boon to drivers and fleet truck platooning with the aim of gathering managers alike. data for maturing the Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC) technology. Quon Indeed, All New Quon went a long way Fujin truck ably demonstrated level-4 to addressing one of the most pressing autonomous driving in front of a group of challenges facing the logistics industry: a journalists. growing shortage of qualified drivers. With its various innovations making it much “An unparalleled rate of transformation easier and appealing to pilot, the new is sweeping through society,” comments vehicle helped open a career path to less Douglas Nakano, Senior Vice President experienced drivers and to candidates who of Technology at UD Trucks. “The many had not previously considered pursuing transformations of technologies will such a role. reshape the landscape of logistics.”
The road towards even smarter logistics Quon has come an incredible distance though is one that extends into the distant over the past 15 years. But the willingness GH11E future and one that is likely to see further on the part of UD Trucks to anticipate Launched in 2010, the GH engine has set new twists and turns for Quon. Last year, UD the shifting needs of the global logistics standards in terms Trucks announced the launch of its Fujin & industry mean that its flagship vehicle is of power and fuel economy Raijin – Vision 2030 innovation roadmap sure to keep advancing.
15 Smart Logistics Short-&long-haul ■ Australia
omething had to give for Lance Law. Innisfail Carrying Company’s managing director admits success in competitions has long been a Sstranger. However, not any longer. Perhaps it was the pent-up pressure that finally broke his roadblock of luck, leading to his winning free use of a All New Quon for a year.
Faced with some rugged terrain in the western regions of Queensland and New South Wales, the truck is now under pressure to show its true colors. Law will be testing the truck on some of his tougher long-haul routes, as well as some shorter Far North Queensland routes, as he seeks clues to his company’s future fleet puzzle. As he said, in the 25-words-or-less he had to impress UD: “Being a combination of short- and long-haul contracts, I believe the Quon can give me the best of both worlds.”
This belief encapsulates the message UD Trucks wants to get across. The trial will allow All New Quon to demonstrate to other Australia customers the strength and advantages it offers across all distances.
They were the mighty trucks This will be Law’s first UD and, he admits he knew little about All New Quon before now.
But he was exposed to the make at the start of his career when carting road and construction material, saying the CWs were “awesome” and “you couldn’t kill the old UDs”.
“Back when I was a young fella, I worked with a company in sand, gravel and Very concrete, and a couple of our subbies had UDs,” Law recalls. “They were mighty trucks back then, with running gear that was second to none, so I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for them.”
good A long-waited boost for business But, what lured Law to enter is nothing Text: Rob Mckay heavily profound. Really, it was to distract himself from the pressures that all trucking Article published in Australian company owners and managers must Transport News, January 2019 deal with and clear his head, as much as year anything. It’s telling that, even by the time he told wife Diane the good news, the UD Australia was looking for a lucky winner to test-drive magnitude of what had fallen into his lap had yet to sink in fully. its new flagship heavy-duty truck, All New Quon. Lance Law from Innisfail Carrying Company made a compelling Innisfail Carrying Company (ICC) is a family- owned business that started in 1995 with case to win over the judge panel. Now he has a new UD one prime mover; It has since expanded to Quon for 12 months and can’t wait to put it to work. include several depots across Queensland
16 UD Trucks Australia vice president Mark Strambi helps Lance Law get The ultimate test drive to grips with All New Quon “New Quon has created a lot of interest in the trucking based in Far North Queensland was apposite as Strambi industry and that’s reinforced by the numbers we’ve sold has history there. so far for the year,” UD Trucks Australia vice president He points out that 1970s-vintage CKs can still be found Mark Strambi says. “The Ultimate Test Drive”, as this working up there and he had come across a fair few as a prize has come to be known in Australia, works both to regional manager. the benefit of UD and its future customers. It’s a heritage that resonates for the brand and a “It gives us the opportunity to get honest open feedback refurbished 1973 CK40 graces UD headquarters in from a customer who’s going to use it in an area where Wacol, Queensland. we wouldn’t normally have a test vehicle running, over an extended period. Support team “I know the way Lance runs his business and they’re For Ross Gordon, the branch manager in charge of UD very interested in the telematics side of it, which this in Townsville, along with showcasing All New Quon vehicle offers. Telematics will enable us to give him quick and getting fresh-eyes feedback, the exercise aims to feedback as well on the truck and on his drivers. “We’re introduce Law to the group’s back-up services. going to work closely with him over the 12 months to “It will give us the opportunity to show just how the make sure it does everything we said it would do.” Townsville dealership can support him in what he does,” A year was chosen to allow it to work in a variety of tasks Gordon says. “He’s looking to use it on the run from Mt and conditions to give a comprehensive and measurable Isa to Townsville, and we have ways of looking after him overview of its performance. through the whole trip.” As the handover ceremony took place, “The diversity of Lance’s business and the region he there was more than a ghost of UDs operates in, really will showcase the benefits that this past on hand, and the fact that Law is Quon is proven to have,” Strambi adds.
where it operates a fleet of 38 trucks. ergonomics. Refinements to the whole driveline have improved fuel efficiency, as Law’s fleet consists mostly of American well as complying with pPNLT Emissions trucks and trucks from another Japanese Standards that exceed Euro 6 emission brand, but he is looking forward to the requirements. Other technologies include change and being able to get a better idea Traffic Eye Brake and Lane Departure of what the options are. Warning.
His is a relatively modest operation where Law plans to have the truck start on Make/model: UD Quon GW 26 460 6x4 brand new vehicles are a luxury and taking B-double work with fertilizers in Innisfail. Engine: UD GH11TD one on just for testing purposes would “When that season finishes, we’ll trial the Power: 338kW (460hp) always be an unlikely proposition without truck on two runs a week from Mt Isa to Torque: 2,200Nm this change of luck. “This prize here has Townsville,” he adds. That is more than Transmission: UD ESCOT-Ⅵ automated 12-speed given me the chance to do it,” he explains. 1,800km for a roundtrip. GVM: 26 tonnes BBC: 2,247 Emission Control Type: SCR and DPF All New Quon features a complete “It’ll be perfect to compare them to the Emission Control Standard: Euro 6 cabin redesign and a focus on enhanced two trucks we have doing that run now.”
17 Smart logistics Customer Story ■ Australia Total package
The Luff family’s Border Express is one of Australia’s largest privately-owned transport operations. Under Direction of CEO Mostafa Kassaby, Border Express continues to evolve through its dedication to being at least one step ahead.
Prime Mover, May cover story by Peter Shields © Prime Creative Media
For us to reduce accidents as well as our costs in maintenance these are the type of vehicles for us. That’s why we’ve invested in UD trucks which has put us in a good position to be able to get good drivers into these vehicles and want to drive them.
Mostafa Kassaby Border Express CEO
18 he Australian transport market continues to undergo numerous changes and successful operators have to be on their ‘A’ game Tto merely survive, let alone prosper. A significant factor in the Border Express journey so far has been recognising that the company’s client base itself has evolved as well. “There was a time about seven years ago when we weren’t much involved in parcels and were virtually 100 per cent bulk, yet today parcels account for around 35 per cent of the business,” says Mostafa Kassaby, Border Express CEO. “Previously we were probably carrying goods that many in the industry didn’t want to carry and today we are carrying products that many would be in envy of doing.”
From bulk transportation to parcels delivery Border Express initiated its parcel business in September 2014 and the rapid growth has been largely organic with no acquisitions of existing operations other than Ross Freight in New South Wales (NSW) which was ultimately consolidated into Border Express in May 2018.
Border Express continues to perform a seven years,” says Greg Maytom who is in significant amount of traditional freight charge of Network and Infrastructure at that was the foundation of the business Border Express and has the responsibility which Max Luff created in 1981 and still of overseeing the development of the has ongoing contracts that the company organisation’s equipment requirements. has serviced for more than 30 years. With “Typically most of our bulk fleet and our the transition to more parcel deliveries main core of express vehicles are UD the business has evolved to where it is Trucks. It’s been the case for about seven today and significant changes have taken years and there are now well over 100 UDs place affecting equipment, facilities, and in the fleet.” even the service network. Driving the organisation has required an understanding UD, a partner of choice of not just what the market needs but also Both executives are impressed with the trying to get ahead of other market players. technologies available with the current Border Express is a place of continuous model of the UD Quon ranging from its development which extends to the various advanced safety features to the analytics equipment acquired to suit the current and available via the telematics systems. future requirements. “For us to reduce accidents as well as our “We didn’t have any electric mezzanine costs in maintenance these are the type deck floors three years ago,” says of vehicles for us,” says Mostafa. “That’s Mostafa. “Today we have more than 20 why we’ve invested in UD trucks which has because we look at what is efficient and put us in a good position to be able to get what is safe.” good drivers into these vehicles and want to drive them.” A similar philosophy extends to truck purchases where the current driver shortage The Border Express fleet is largely affecting the entire industry was anticipated company-owned and has quite regimented by Border Express management years ago. requirements for its sub-contractors in terms of vehicle type and age. The “We haven’t bought a manual truck for sub-contract vehicles also carry the
19 Smart logistics Customer Story ■ Australia
Border Express livery truck colours, with The UDs are contributing to the rigorous to give them a plug in that respect because presentation and driver behaviour both management of compliance at Border Express the team there have done everything they important factors. which operates its own service workshops possibly can to mentor us and to train us. with support from the CMV dealerships from It helps us feel comfortable from a Chain “It’s fair to say most sub-contractors in the which they acquire their UD Trucks. of Responsibility perspective that we are bulk fleet will go with UDs as well,” says compliant and we believe they are advising Greg. “And not just for consistency.” Last “We’ve got a great relationship with CMV,” us in the right way. Their partnership year the company, according to Mostafa, says Mostafa. “They come out onsite with us and support for our own national purchased a particular new UD truck with a and do on-board training in the UDs and compliance team has given us a confidence new body with an electric mezzanine deck. they spend a lot of time with us in the we are doing the right things in this area.” “The driver loved it so much he asked if he understanding of the equipment itself. could buy it and become a sub-contractor,” CMV have really catapulted us to another Greg agrees. He says the support of the says Mostafa “That’s a real testament to level altogether and their support for UD Trucks factory through CMV cannot be that type of vehicle.” Border Express has been fantastic. I have underestimated.
There is nothing I have asked for that the factory hasn’t helped us with particularly in configurations and specifications and different little things we have asked for throughout the journey they have supported.
Greg Maytom Responsible for Network and Infrastructure at Border Express
20 “There is nothing I have asked for through CMV that the factory hasn’t helped us with particularly in configurations and specifications and different little things we have asked for throughout the journey they have supported. We certainly hope that continues,” he says.
Expanding by focusing on details Border Express has built its own new terminal facilities in Victoria and on the Gold Coast and early this year moved into its new company-owned purpose- built premises at Tuggerah on the NSW Central Coast. With the eastern seaboard covered, Border Express has also entered into partnerships in regional South Australia and Western Australia which has resulted in a national service network. Third party logistics (3PL) is also the subject of increased investment with major facilities at Barnawartha just outside of Border Express’ original base of Albury, as well as in Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth.
“At the end of the day we are an Australian family-owned business and we are more than happy to continue to invest in Australia,” says Mostafa. “We don’t off-shore jobs or processes, unlike some of our competitors who are starting to do it. That includes our call centres and back of house services because once you hand over to an agent you lose some of your control and visibility.”
Mostafa’s preference has always been to organisation has been simply looking at to make working in road transport more keep jobs in Australia and that remains a being better every day. appealing. focus point for future growth. “Seven years ago we had ‘committed “The fact of the matter is we are an “We’ll probably double our business within to deliver’ as a position statement and I industry with a low attractiveness to some the next five years so we need to have the remember saying to the Board what are degree. We need to ask how we make it right partners on board. we committed to?” Mostafa recalls. “We attractive for the younger talent to come need an exclamation mark on it and it is through the businesses. And that’s a For example, we used to have our own not just about delivering a parcel. We are question for every transport company. The forklifts, now we don’t have to because we committed to returning a phone call or industry is rapidly changing and it’s driven hire them off Linde Material Handling. The an email and getting back to our people. by technology with cutting edge tools and industry is going through some significant We are also committed to support our innovations and ideas that can provide change and if you’re not at the front of it partners 100 per cent of the time, not opportunities to get ahead.” and looking for different ways to evolve 98, not 99. Only then the by-product is your business you’re going to get left delivering the parcel. That’s what really Expanding into airfreight! behind.” shook the business up and it’s how we Mostafa is excited about the future of are with our business, our people, and Border Express and expects the growth rate Rethinking transportation activity our culture. We have to stay ahead of it to remain rapid without sacrificing service. as a whole and we have got to be ruthless in that.” “Our bulk freight business has led us into The evolution of Border Express hasn’t Border Express hasn’t been immune from the parcel business. We’re serious about merely been about facilities and trucks. It’s the universal shortage of competent warehousing and now the parcel business been about the entire company embracing drivers and has an active policy of internal will lead us into airfreight. That’s our next a culture of relentless improvement and advancement for employees who want to succession as an organisation and it’s a passionate commitment to high ideals. perform other functions. Mostafa is also what our customers are telling us they are One of the values introduced into the supportive of an industry-wide approach wanting from Border Express,” he says.
21 Smart logistics Future Tech
22 Autonomous trucking in confined areas
ith its ambition of A fully autonomous Quon based on supporting smart logistics ESCOT-Ⅵ All New Quon and providing the trucks Working together with Quon’s standard the world needs today, UD technological features, such as Traffic Eye, Wis tackling challenges facing society and Active Emergency Braking, Lane Departure particularly the transportation industry: Warning System and Adaptive Cruise the booming development of e-commerce, Control, a combination of guidance systems driver shortage*, requirements for increased and obstacle detectors allow Quon Fujin safety and less CO2 emissions, all concur to see its environment. A GPS, a radar and with requiring a great leap in operational a lidar (Light Detection and Ranging - efficiency. LiDAR - a pulsed laser to measure distance precisely) constantly communicate with an Autonomous trucks: an answer to many ECU and a control system. issues confronting the logistics industry In a not-so-distant future, technologies like On the UD test track, the course emulated automation are set to transform logistics, the real-use conditions of a heavy-duty and deliver more value to producers, truck in a confined area, with nine different suppliers, consumers and drivers. tasks to showcase Quon Fujin’s autonomous operation. These included reversing into In confined areas, such as ports, container a warehouse within a boxed-out section yards, mines, quarries, where public access marked by cones; driving between coned- is not permitted, trucks will soon be able to off areas simulating a loading or unloading operate fully autonomously with enormous zone; and various turns and maneuvers benefits. With automated trucks moving in both forward and reverse directions. containers inside the yard of a port for A demanding program that Quon Fujin example, ports can operate 24 hours a day, completed without a hiccup. increasing efficiency during non-peak hours and reducing daytime traffic. Central control Simplicity is key to real-life adoption. The centers monitor each truck’s position as well system is programmable by customers – as direct pick-ups and drop-offs. via the in-cab control unit – by driving and recording a defined path just once. Helping to improve efficiency, safety and productivity, autonomous driving is a major A major step in a consistent plan towards part of UD’s vision for the future of smart the future of autonomous driving logistics, and its engineers are already UD Trucks is also part of the Japanese testing fully-connected automated trucks in government’s highway platooning projects, confined areas. which see significant improvements made to this technology, including multi-brand Last December, the international press platooning communication. was invited to UD’s headquarter in Ageo, Japan, to discover a Quon Fujin prototype, Quon Fujin is a major step towards full operating fully autonomously in a confined automation, showing a convincing glimpse area on the UD test track. Focusing on of a future of autonomous truck operation autonomous driving, Fujin is part of UD’s within controlled environments; a future that Vison 2030 Fujin & Raijin development plan promises more safety, comfort and efficiency. to engineer the future of smart logistics. A step further in UD’s vision of smart logistics.
*Japan, for example, will lack 240,000 truck drivers by 2027, according to Boston Consulting Group estimates.
23 Smart logistics Waste management ■ South Africa A century of waste management Decades of partnership
Questers have made a huge difference in our operation compared to other models. Clayton Fischer Operational Manager, SA Metal
24 ounded in 1919, SA Metal Group is South Africa’s oldest metal recycling company. Today, they are also the largest , with scrap yards in Cape A century of waste FTown, Johannesburg and Pretoria and with operations extended into neighbouring countries. At the heart of their business is their efficient fleet of trucks, 80 of which management are UDs, transporting all kinds of waste materials including household waste.
UD has been SA Metal’s choice of truck for a long time. “We’ve still got some of The versatility of the old 440s and entry-level UDs, and we this truck, that’s the main have some 460s,” says Clayton Fischer, Operational Manager at SA Metal. The thing for me. That’s how company has recently moved over to the it helps me. The drivers Questers and is pleased to see that the latest UD arrival in the fleet has taken the are happy, they enjoy the tough African conditions in its stride. As drive. So in that instance, Fischer reveals, “It’s the versatility of this Quester makes my life truck, that’s the main thing for me. That’s how it helps me.” much easier.
Clayton Fischer One job the Questers do regularly is carry Operational Manager, SA Metal waste from a processing site to a landfill site 25km away. When you need a dependable truck to move serious tonnage on a daily basis, Quester is the perfect solution, Fischer reckons. “Any UD is user-friendly, and I think with “The Quester is an absolutely this one, they have simplified a lot more.” fantastic, straightforward says Fisher. “It’s an accommodating truck. workhorse. It has what we need It’s comfortable. The drivers enjoy the for this operation. If you look at drive. So that’s another reason that Quester the way the truck is structured, makes my life much easier.” especially on the rear springs, this is the complete package that we “Questers have made a huge difference in need for this job.” our operation compared to other models,” Fischer says, “The trunnion-mounted The trucks SA Metal runs include springs and rubber towers are an excellent compactors—rear-end loaders most design and have proven fruitful in keeping commonly used for waste collection costs to a minimum.” in many countries—and skip loaders, which are ideal for handling waste The company also operates on rough such as ash, gravel and builder’s terrain, and these trucks show comfort and rubble, or for liquid waste and durability despite the tough surroundings. sludge if they’re fitted with They also achieve excellent fuel leak proof containers. consumption, explains Fischer. “We bought these trucks to perform specific tasks but Whatever job they are also to be flexible, and they perform on/off doing, the drivers are road functions without any hassle, which is also happy with a plus for us. These trucks have proven over the new fleet and over that they are worth the buy,” he member. adds smiling.
Come visit Cape Town’s processing site with SA Metal
25 Smart logistics New Quester
26 Meet the New Quester range
aisen - an essential concept of 350 for the GH8. These new engines add to Japanese engineering. Kaisen the wide range offered, giving even more defines the idea of constantly flexibility for customers to pick the engine perfecting an object, to keep exactly matching their activity. itK on top of its game and answering the evolution of its users’ needs. As lighter wheels and lighter fuel tanks bring a lower tare weight, New Quester offers a In today’s world of smart logistics, bigger payload which translates as being constantly evolving, improving, perfecting, able to transport more over longer trips. New is a smart move. Quester also offers the possibility to pick additional axle ratios, for even more flexibility Building on the success of Quester, and its for all kind of operations. proven reliability and fuel efficiency, New Quester receives numerous improvements and A smart move for fuel efficiency introduces an impressive range of new key Adding to the extended range of low-end features, such as ESCOT automated manual high torque and fuel-efficient engines, the transmission, retarder, electrical cab tilt, more renown manual automated ESCOT gearbox powerful engines, improved comfort and is now available on New Quester. user-friendly telematics. These deliver even greater productivity, fuel efficiency, uptime, Making the best of the engine torque driver efficiency and safety. New Quester is, resources, ESCOT enables every driver, more than ever, a smart move for today’s even inexperienced, to reach superb full transportation business. efficiency. The GPS-connected Ascot-Roll function memorizes every slope and corner A smart move for productivity of each route, to anticipate and pick the Combining even more powerful engines possible gear every time, even automatically with a lighter tare weight, New Quester can coasting in neutral when safety allows. transport even more payload. Additionally, the cooling system of all New Questers receives an e-viscous actuation Productivity starts with a powerful and fuel- which contributes to reducing fuel efficient engine. GH 11- and 8-liter never consumption. lacked power and low-end torque, and are now proposed in an even larger range of A smart move for driver efficiency power, topping at 440 for the GH11 and Driving safely and smoothly takes
27 Smart logistics New Quester
Interview with Mr. Quester
Toshi Odawara, the Vice President of UD Trucks Quester Product Line accidentally or not earnt his nickname from inside the company where he is known as Mr. Quester. His work has been dedicated to this particular model since the very beginning. Perhaps, he is the best suited person to talk about Quester’s evolution as a smart and modern transport solution.
Why upgrade the existing Quester to New Quester? Upgrading the Quester is an answer to a market change. The essential needs in growth markets around the world keep changing depending on economic situation and transport industry trends. This means our transport solutions must also adapt and deliver.
What do you believe are the most important challenges that customers face today? Definitely managing the transport operational cost which in most cases will be managing fuel efficiency. Securing skilled drivers is also becoming crucial to fleet operations.
In what way can New Quester be the solution to these challenges? New Quester has ESCOT which supports fuel efficient driving, avoiding fluctuation of performance per driver. This will improve overall fuel costs of the fleet. Any driver can perform well with ESCOT. This reduces the pressure on fleet owners to hire good drivers.
How much does the largest cab in UD Trucks’ history contribute to making long-haul operations easier? There are operations in several markets which require two drivers or one driver travelling for more than a week in one trip. It means the drivers will need space to live in the truck – changing clothes, cooking, sleeping and resting as they do at home. New Quester’s high roof cabin provides sufficient space for drivers to have a more comfortable life on the road.
We have made sure that New How do you see New Quester as a part of UD Trucks’ evolving customer partnership? Quester captures the essential needs Since the birth of Quester as a totally new in markets around the world today. range for UD Trucks, we keep learning from our customers to make sure we provide proper The truck will keep evolving together performance and support. And keep improving our products the right way. In Japanese we call with our customers’ journey. this Kaizen. It is the spirit to continue improving things and getting better and better. New Toshi Odawara, Vice President, UD Trucks Quester Product Line Quester is just one step on this road.
28 concentration and anticipation. For long An enlarged choice of hub reductions hours every day behind the wheel, it is ensures easy and reliable operation for crucial for the driver to feel rested and rough and hilly tasks. relaxed. Regarding the clutch , ESCOT’s clutch lasts The large, spacious cabin of Quester now much longer than a manual gearbox clutch, offers air suspension, which greatly reduces while it is no concern on the Allison automatic vibrations and improves comfort on poorly gearbox, which uses a hydraulic converter. Making driving much easier, and providing consistent paved roads. A new air-suspended seat fuel economy, ESCOT is now with lumbar support, and optional armrest, UD Telematics Services receives some new available on New Quester adds up to offer a cushier ride, which features on New Quester, toward optimized lessens driver fatigue and enables better productivity and uptime. Designed to productivity. improve transportation companies’ competitive position through business A smart move for safety improvement and efficiency, UD Telematics Fully ECE compliant, with braking system Services is a smart, high-tech wireless offering ABS and ADR, Quester is already a communications system supported by UD’s paragon of safety. network of dealers and specialists.
New Quester now proposes a hydraulic Remote diagnostics monitor truck health retarder, to make downhill driving easier. and performance, helping to reduce fuel and GH11E Particularly useful when the vehicle is loaded, operational costs, and maximizing vehicle the hydraulic retarder allows the speed to be uptime and optimizing fleet management. controlled without applying the service brake, reducing brake wear and avoiding brake fade. Regarding the latter, UD Telematics Services now supports geofencing functions, A smart move for uptime allowing to draw virtual boundaries and Built for ultimate dependability, every monitor speed limits. When the defined part of Quester is designed to last long thresholds are crossed, customized alerts and require minimum maintenance. New are automatically sent through the UD Quester now receives an eclectic cab tilt, to Telematics mobile app, helping to keep make maintenance checks safer and easier. track of the fleet operation. GH8E
29 Smart logistics Customer Story ■ Thailand
Riding the highs and lows Text: Arthur Jones Dionio Photos: Jonas Gratzer
Over the past two decades, the Thai construction industry has experienced multiple booms and slumps. Through it all, the company Rojana Pattana has navigated its way to prosperity. It is a tough player and a smart and efficient one too.
orty kilometers north of Bangkok, and its suburbs. By the company’s own Pattana, Nattanicha Pannapat was prepared dozens of trucks form a line inside calculation, each truck covers a distance of by her father to become the company’s Rojana Pattana’s depot, moving one about 700 kilometers per day. future leader. “My father made sure I by one to a gas station for refueling. learned how to reach out to all types of FThe hum of engines breaks the silence of “We feel that we helped build the people, make proper judgement and turn dawn to signal another busy day. foundations of high rises and infrastructure challenges into opportunities.” of modern Bangkok,” says Nattanicha Behind the scenes of a modern city Pannapat, who runs Rojana Pattana’s day- Rojana Pattana’s history is full of stories At 5:30 AM, a convoy of semi-trailer trucks to-day operations. “We supply a good about overcoming challenges and about snakes through rural roads. The fleet is number of construction sites in the capital being able to consistently provide a taking gravel from nearby provinces for and our clients rely on our deliveries.” trustworthy service to clients. When use in the ever-expanding infrastructure the company was founded in 1995, it and property development projects in Rojana Pattana’s client base recently was in the midst of a property bubble in metropolitan Bangkok. grew to include a host of condominium Thailand that eventually triggered the 1997 developers, the Bangkok metro rail system, Asian financial crisis. The property and During peak months, the trucks operate large industrial estates and government construction industry crashed along with from dawn well into the night. On average, roadworks. swathes of other industries. Thousands of the trucks make three delivery rounds per companies went bankrupt. day, bringing thousands of tons of gravel Stay alive to thrive from the neighboring provinces to Bangkok As Assistant Managing Director of Rojana But being a new company meant Rojana
30 Pattana’s base was still small, so the financial impact was not overwhelming. Nevertheless, surviving the economic collapse was everyone’s main preoccupation at the time.
The company ended up working as a subcontractor for the Siam Cement Group (SCG), Thailand’s largest cement company, which was expanding its sub-brand of ready-mix cement. Even at very low profit margins, the company kept working with SCG to keep the business afloat and avoid degrading its assets. We feel that we helped build the The strategy paid off. foundations of high rises and infrastructure
Efficiency enabled flexibility of modern Bangkok. “Business took off. SCG wanted to change Nattanicha Pannapat its service by adding the new aspect of on- Assistant Managing Director, Rojana Pattana
31 Smart logistics Customer Story ■ Thailand
Aggregate being unloaded in a Bangkok suburb. Rojana Pattana’s clients include condominium developers, the Bangkok metro rail system, large industrial estates and government road contractors.
time delivery. But many of its old partners warranty period. Drivers can call for onsite were resistant to change. This opened a repair if needed, a very convenient solution major opportunity for our company. Our especially if problems arise on a weekend. partnerships also expanded because people trusted us,” recalls Nattanicha Pannapat of “UD actually understands our need to be the company’s breakthrough. able to conduct business properly. We like Building trust meant Rojana Pattana had to the fact that we can call their key people always deliver on time. This required reliable directly when we need support. They’ve equipment at a price deemed reasonable also been accurate about delivery times for for a startup company. It became an early spare parts and repairs. This is important adopter of UD Trucks in Thailand. because our business requires certainty,” Nattanicha Pannapat explains. Specifically built for logistics operators in fast-growing economies, Quester gained In past years, political turmoil has cast immediate praise from the company’s economic uncertainty in the country. For drivers and technicians. Detchai Chairat, Rojana Pattana, the impact was a ten per Rojana Pattana’s head mechanic for the cent decline in revenue in 2018 because past nine years, says: “Questers are quite a significant number of government durable. We hardly have to do any repairs infrastructure projects were put on hold Detchai Chairat, Rojana Pattana’s head mechanic, says UD’s onsite repair service provides a very during the first few years of usage. Our when elections were announced for 2019. convenient solution drivers find them comfortable, smooth to However, when it comes to looking handle and quite stable during deliveries.” forward, Nattanicha Pannapat beams with Fuel savings are notable, he adds, because optimism. “After the election, there will be Quester runs between 3.5 to 3.9 kilometers a new wave of investments in construction per liter of fuel, giving it a significant edge and property development. We will be over other brands in the fleet. ready to respond to these opportunities and break into larger markets.” Apart from the truck itself, UD’s aftermarket services have also impressed Rojana Pattana. A mobile maintenance The story was published in Volvo Group Magazine, service is available for trucks within the Issue 1, 2019
32
A day in the life of a driver Driver: Manachai Bunsin Country: Thailand New Quester 6x4 390HP Driving with ESCOT transmission adventure with New Quester
I drive because of my family, for their future. Driving is my heart and soul.
I’m proud that I get to do a job every day that comes with immense responsibility. The cargo is in my care until I deliver it safely into the hands of our customer.
I never know what my next trip will be like … what the weather will do, where the journey will take me. Every time I drive it’s an absolute challenge – some of our roads are tough and I’m always going to new places.
34 New Quester has totally addressed the driving fatigue. The ESCOT-VI transmission is a dream, whether on steep or gradual slopes, it makes good use of the vehicle’s power and gives me more confidence in my driving.
Comfort when driving is so important to the driver – One of the things I enjoy is driving up north; this seat definitely gives it takes me nearer my home province. It makes you more support. I find I’m me think of my loved ones and the warmth of my less stiff after a long-haul family back home. delivery. I’ve come to greatly appreciate the comforts of this new cab.
Truck driver, the unsung hero
Watch the on the road. 35 story here